Psoriatic Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What distinguishes those with psoriasis from those who develop full-fledged psoriatic arthritis? Doctors aren’t entirely sure. Many factors, including genetics and lifestyle, seem to be at play, according to the evidence.

The majority of people get psoriasis first and then get psoriatic arthritis later, but joint issues can start before the skin patches do.

The primary signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. They can affect any part of your body, including your fingertips and spine, and their severity can vary from mild to extreme. Flares of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can alternate with periods of remission in both conditions.

Since there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, the emphasis is on managing symptoms and avoiding joint damage. Psoriatic arthritis can be debilitating if left untreated.

If you are suffering from this condition, you should consult Dr. Rishabh Nanavati for psoriatic arthritis treatment in Mumbai.

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that worsens over time, but you may experience periods of improvement or remission overlapping with periods of worsening symptoms.

Psoriatic arthritis can affect either one or both sides of your body’s joints. Its signs and symptoms are frequently mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis. Both diseases cause painful, swollen, and warm-to-the-touch joints.

Psoriatic arthritis, on the other hand, is more likely to cause:

Swollen toes and fingers – The uncomfortable, sausage-like swelling of your fingers and toes may be caused by psoriatic arthritis. Before you have severe joint symptoms, you may develop swelling and deformities in your hands and feet.

Foot ache – Psoriatic arthritis may also cause pain where tendons and ligaments connect to your bones, especially in the back of your heel (Achilles’ tendinitis) and the sole of your foot (plantar fasciitis).

Pain in the lower back – As a result of psoriatic arthritis, some people develop spondylitis. Spondylitis primarily affects the joints between your spine’s vertebrae and the joints between your spine and pelvis (sacroiliitis).

If people who have psoriasis develop joint pain, they should tell their doctor about it. Without proper treatment of psoriatic arthritis, this condition can severely damage your joints.

What are the causes of psoriatic arthritis?

When the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue, psoriatic arthritis develops. Inflammation of the joints and an overproduction of skin cells are also symptoms of an abnormal immune response.

It’s unclear why the immune system targets healthy tissue, but genetic and environmental factors are likely to play a role. Psoriatic arthritis is mostly seen in people who have a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Specific genetic markers have been identified that seem to be linked to psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis may be triggered by physical trauma or something in the environment, such as a viral or bacterial infection, in people who have an inherited risk.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment in Mumbai

The main aim of psoriatic arthritis treatment is to reduce inflammation in your joints, which causes them to swell and hurt. It will alleviate your discomfort while also preventing further damage.

Psoriatic arthritis is mostly managed with medications, but surgery may be an option if they don’t help. The severity of your illness will determine your treatment.

You and your doctor might need to try a few different things before figuring out what works best for you. You may also have to make lifestyle changes and speak with your doctor about alternative and complementary therapies.

Dr. Nanavati’s Centre for Rheumatology is well-known for comprehensive psoriatic arthritis treatment in Mumbai. For timely management and treatment, you can visit our clinic.